The gold rush changed Alaska forever. As the gold-seekers traveled throughout
the state looking for gold they started towns, raised families and began
to think of Alaska as home. They wanted more services, better communications
and economic opportunities.

The
Alaska Native people were also changed forever. The newcomers brought
a different way of life that greatly impacted the traditional cultures
and the land.

Let's
begin to explore the legacy the gold rush has given Alaska. We will look
for evidence and clues in historic primary
materials to help us predict what might be in Alaska's future. This
part of the story is not finished, it is being written now.